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Serving MACON & CENTRAL GEORGIA

March 2014Vol. 28, No. 3

Information For Ages50 PLUS!

Dr. NanDr. NanJohnsonJohnsonand herand her

companion!companion!Story onStory on

page 5page 5

Page 2 • March 2014 • Senior News • Macon

A Shout Out for the Inspirational Thomas M. Linskiby JANE WINSTON

Thomas M. Linski ran seven5K’s in 2012 and 32 in 2013. Heonly “runs for a cause,” and thesecauses have taken him as far north inGeorgia as McDonough, as far southas Albany, as far west as Lizella andas far east as Savannah. His goal for2014 is to compete in the “BiggestLoser” Race sponsored by the popu-lar Biggest Loser TV show. He hasnine months to prepare as the race isin Florida in December. There are10,000 runners expected, and he fig-ures he will merely be a “speck of

sand on the Florida beach.” But hewill be there, and he and all whoknow him will be proud!!

And why would 74 year-old Tomset this race as a goal? Because Tomis a big loser! In 2011 he weighed400+ pounds, wore 4X and 5Xclothes, had to ride in an electriccart, stopped taking his wife out todinner and hunkered down at home.He came to the realization that hislife was in jeopardy and it was timeto do something. So he did... walk-ing at Wal-Mart or the Mall (holdingonto a cart), utilizing the Fit Bit hisdaughter game him, joining a gym,getting back into the Church, talking

with a family doctor andeventually getting on a foodplan and working toward ahealthier lifestyle.

Tom retired from the AirForce as a Chief MasterSergeant. Ultimately he andhis wife moved to theirdream home inMilledgeville where theyhunted and fished to theirhearts’ content. In fact, Tomis not only a runner; he is amaster turkey hunter withseveral Grand slams, Royalslams and a World slam!However, this wonderful lifeof leisure had negative con-sequences for Tom as heloved to eat. Spending more

and more time at his hunting leaseand at commercial hunting/fishinglodges plus dining out with his wifeat buffets regularly allowed him toeat all he wanted. This life-styleallowed him to slowly and steadilyput on weight. In July 2011, hisbathroom scale caught his attentionwhen he stepped on it, and itscreamed, “Err, you have gone over400 pounds.”

Fast forward to January 2014,when I met up with Thomas M.Linski for lunch in Macon. He nib-bled away at a salad and shared hiswonderful, heart-rending inspira-tional story. This gentle giant of aman in heart and physique... Tom isstill of commanding stature... sharedwith me, often with tears in his eyes,how he lost a total of 207 pounds;how he on occasion fell in the woods

while hunting and had to summonfriends to help get him up and home;how he could not finish his first race;how he is an inspiration for others;how folks expect him to be at theraces; how prizes made by childrenbring him the greatest pleasure; howhe has won weight-loss contests, andhow he is determined to keep run-ning for God and make it to theBiggest Loser race in Panama City,Florida in December.

We of Senior News wish ThomasM. Linski…. an inspiration tomany... God’s speed!

*********

Jane H. Winston is a freelancewriter in the local area. Contact herat 478-542-1642 or jwins1939@gmail.com if you would like SeniorNews to feature someone you know.

Finishing the Race!

Before... ...After

Thomas Linski... a deserving winner!

by CLAIRE HOUSER DODD

He who is not content with whathe has would not be content withwhat he would like to have.

Good News! We just readan article in Good HealthMagazine that we don't have tokill ourselves exercising like amarathon runner; that short Burstsare Best! That is indeed goodnews to those of us who arespurters. That is we have smallspurts of energy at various (andsometimes strange) times. Andthat is short lived! So... if you hearElvis singing away, swing andsway the Elvis way with the song,then go on about your duties.Sometimes while in the car, wehear music that begs to be actedupon. Do so, but don't take youreyes off the road!

This article says it takes “com-mitment and intensity rather thanduration.” The study was done atLaval University in Quebec. Onegroup cycled 45 minutes withoutstopping while the spurter cycled15-90 seconds in bursts of energywithout stopping while resting in

between.It is true the longer duration

group burned twice the caloriesbut not more fat! The interviewgroup burned the most fat. In fact,nine times more for every calorieburned.

Obviously, the key, afterstudying over 7,000 people is thatit is not length or endurance, butintensity. The more energy a per-son exerted, the lower the risk ofheart attack. Make your exerciseenjoyable; you're more likely tostick with it! Try HYPERLINK"http://www.alsearsmd.com formore info.

Music and the Arts at VinevilleUnited Methodist Church onVineville Street in Macon isalways outstanding. It's free and agreat Sunday afternoon venue. At4:00 pm, March 23rd CompasDivas will present a program.Nadine Cheek, of WesleyanCollege, Rebeca Lanning ofMacon State, Martha Malone fromMercer University with CamBishop as accompanist will enter-tain you.

On March 8th at 8pm in theDouglas Theater on Broadway indowntown Macon, Tommy Taltonand friends, and The Mike Veal

Band will present Southern Rockand Blues. We got our informationfrom Mike Toland who helps pro-mote through Music MattersEntertainment. It's always good tocatch these popular musiciansbetween tours for a smaller groupshowing at home. $20.00 advance,$24.00 at the door. Go to or callthe Douglas Theater 478-742-2000or douglasstheatre.org.

Macon's Grand Opera Houseoffers two different but excitingvenues this month. The first is“Disney's Beauty and The Beast”based on the Academy Award-win-ning animated feature film andBroadway hit. A musical lovestory of classic proportions, a lav-ish show of dramatic sets and cos-tumes with dazzling songs ofromantic enchantment. March 12& 13, 7pm.

On March 29th at 2:30 & 7:30pm, the Grand presents “The TenTenors on Broadway,” anAustralian troupe which has aunique approach to opera bringingtogether rock and classical musicwith raw power and soothingbeauty. You will enjoy some ofBroadway's most adored musicalnumbers on the Grand stage righthere in Macon, GA. 478-301-5470

is the number to call for both ven-ues.

Of course The Cherry BlossomFestival is a highlight for March inMacon, and the Finale is one ofthe most outstanding happenings.It is held at 5 pm on the WesleyanGolf Course on Forsyth Road. Itoffers fun for all ages with chil-dren's activities, food vendors, liveentertainment and fireworks atdusk! Bring picnics and blanketsand enjoying the closing event ofthe annual festival. And its FREE.

We want to report on theLeader Tribune's campaign to help“Beyond Hope Foundation” to buythe Robotic bicycle for legs forHeather Rumph. The goal of$15,000 has been reached. We'restill working on the $5,000 extrabeyond the original goal. The newequipment works and stimulatesthe upper body muscles. We pre-sented the idea to the Fort ValleyStudy Club and got an over-whelming backing and desire todonate $100.00 to this worthycause. Thanks to all members ofthe Study Club. You're the great-est.

Good character – like goodsoup – is generally homemade.

March 2014 • Senior News • Macon • Page 3

LLeett uuss eenntteerrttaaiinn yyoouu

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1429 Oglethorpe Street, Macon, GA 31201(478) 743-7061 www.myeyecenter.com

You want to experience all that life has to offer, but if you’re not seeingas clearly as you used to, cataracts could be getting in your way.

Today, you have a wide range of options when it comes to cataractsurgery. Whether you want to wear reading glasses, bifocals,

or no glasses after your surgery, the physicians at the Eye Centerof Central Georgia have the tools to help you see your very best.

With options like multifocal lenses to correct both distance andnear vision, or toric lenses to correct astigmatism, your doctor

can help you find the best option for your eyes and your lifestyle

Set up an appointment today,and start seeing your best!

Editor’s Note: If you have written a“well-worked” poem which you wouldlike considered for publication, pleaseforward it to: Senior News, P. O. Box8389, Warner Robins, GA 31095-8389.Please include your name and address onyour poem. We will publish selectedpoems (or excerpts) as space permits.

*********

STONESby June D. Wilhite

Stones.Strong, hard, useful weapons;Used for defense, to injure, to

frighten awayStones in the hand give the bearer

a sense of security.The more stones I carryThe safer I feel.

Growing older.Hands becoming arthritic.Hard to hold stones.Hard to throw them.Back won’t allow me to bend to pick

them up.I feel vulnerable,No stones to throw.

Words.Strong, hard, useful weapons.Used for defense, to injure, to

frighten away.Words used as stones come from

the heart.The more it can carryThe safer I feel.

Growing older.Heart growing weaker,Injured by so many stones.Carried too many too long.Stones in my heart,Must unload them.

Feeling vulnerable,No “stones” to throw.

Pearls.Beautiful, valuable, durable,Treasured find or purchase,A perfect gift.Enhance my clothes.Pearls around the neck,On earlobes or fingersPretty to behold.

Growing older.Pearls are ageless,Pleasant to the eyes,Still make me feel beautiful.Remembering the giver,Grateful memories,Feeling a comfort,As I gaze at these stones.

Words.Kind, encouraging, loving.Pearls of wisdom,Pearls of great price,Words that comfort, build up,

inspire,Reward, praise, and support.The more pearls I give,The more I will hold.

Growing older.Heart full of gladness.Many trials turned into pearls...Peace, joy, and loveFrom gathering pearls,And giving them away.Thanking God for His Words,Living Pearls of life.

*********

ODE TO MY LOVEby Pat Walker Johnson

Oh, my love, how you are missed.The ways would make a long list.

From school days I loved you,And this you always knew.

Memories I treasure in my heart,Even though we are apart.

To love and be loved, some havenever known.

I felt your love as tender as thedawn.

I say your name, but you’re not here.On my cheek I feel a wet tear.

I long for the day I shall see yoursweet face.

And all my sorrow will be erased.

God in heaven tells me it’s true.On that day, our love we’ll renew.

Till then, my love, I await.To see you again at Heaven’s gate!

*********

WHENby Jean P. Daniel

We’ll be together,by and by,when the moon has tipped over,and darkened the sky.We’ll be together,when the dust shall be;laid out on the ocean,made of you and me.When the sky grows downward,shields the earth in pain,when the storm clouds lieon the earth with rain.We’ll be together,by and by;in a graveyard old and mellow,together,when we die!

*********

Websitewww.seniornewsga.com

www.seniornewsgeorgia.com

PublisherBilly R. Tucker

Email: seniornewsga@cox.net

EditorAnn Tunali

seniornews@msn.com

Advertising AccountExecutives

David VonAlmenPhone: 478-213-5986

Email: VAMktPub@aol.comJane Winston

Phone: 478-542-1642Email: jwins1939@gmail.com

Jan TassitanoPhone: 770-993-2943

Email: jan@jjmconsulting.com

ColumnistsClaire Houser-Dodd

Dr. Bill BaggettLisa Petsche

Dr. Anne JonesJane Winston

*********Published monthly. Business

Office is located at 115 BighamDrive, Warner Robins, GA 31088.Approximate Monthly Readership:Metro Atlanta, 65,000; Augusta,27,000; Macon/Central Georgia,21,000. Editorial and advertisingcopy deadline is the 15th of themonth. Preference is given to edi-torial copy submitted earliest.

Publishers do not accept anyliability whatsoever for any mate-rial supplied by advertisers or edi-torial organizations including theuse of trademarks, logotypes, slo-gans, or other service marks, orany claims made by such organi-zations and such organizationsindemnify and save harmless thepublishers in the event of anylawsuit or litigation. In the eventof any publishers' error in thecontent of any advertisement,maximum liability shall be limit-ed to the cost of the advertisingarea in which the error occurred.Publishers reserve the rights toedit or reject any materials sub-mitted for publication.

Editorial information you wouldlike considered for publicationshould be mailed to: Senior News,P. O. Box 8389, Warner Robins,GA 31095-8389.

*********CORPORATE OFFICE

Billy R. Tucker, President/PublisherPhone: 478-929-3636FAX: 478-929-4258

E-mail: seniornewsga@cox.netCopyright 1987

Senior News & Views of Georgia

Serving Macon & Central Georgia

Page 4 • March 2014 • Senior News • Macon

PPooeettss’’ CCoorrnneerr

by Dr. Bill BaggettMinister to SeniorsDunwoody Baptist Church

It has been my observation inthe past years, as I have worked withsenior adults, that they sometimesfeel that life is over for them andthey are no longer needed or useful.By the same token, there are manythat are involved in activities thatkeep them busy and excited aboutlife.

So many seniors are preoccupied

with the physical changes that areoccurring to their bodies. It is naturalthat years will have an effect on ourappearance. One lady resolved thisproblem by taking a very hot shower.She indicated that the steam coveredthe mirrors, therefore sparing herfrom observing the obvious.

A person’s personality is moldedby the experiences they have hadduring their lifetime. Therefore,when senior adulthood arrives, all ofthe episodes one has been throughare still a part of who they are.

God has been arranging encoun-ters for a long time. Senior adultshave a lot to offer and many areengaged in activities that are produc-tive and meaningful. Rather thangiving up, look for the chanceencounter that will change your life.As someone has said, “The next timeyou feel that God can’t use you,remember, Noah was a drunk,Abraham was too old, Isaac was adaydreamer, Jacob was a liar, Moses

had a stuttering problem, Timothywas too young, Peter denied Christand The Disciples fell asleep whilepraying.”

The following Scriptures arepromises of God if we put our trustin Him and follow his teachings:

Luke 18:27: “The things whichare impossible with men are possiblewith God.”

Romans 8:31: “If God be for us,who can be against us?”

Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and ofgood courage, do not be afraid, norbe dismayed, for the Lord your Godis with you wherever you go.”

Romans 8:28: “And we knowthat all things work together for thegood to those who love God, tothose who are called to His pur-pose.”

*********Dr. Baggett can be reached at

Dunwoody Baptist Church, 1445 Mt.Vernon Road, Atlanta, GA 30338;phone 770-280-1200.

Missed your copyof Senior News?

It’s Still Available......“ON THE WEB”

Just visit us atwww.seniornewsga.com

and click on “ARCHIVES”

SSppiirrii ttuuaall NNootteess

God’s Encounters

March 2014 • Senior News • Macon • Page 5

OOnn tthhee CCoovveerr

Dr. Nan Johnson and her companion!by CLAIRE HOUSER-DODD

COVERDr. Nan Johnson and Gertie

Betty Hiley entertained theStudy Club's February Meeting atSunMark's Social Room. AnnBallard had the program. Sheintroduced Dr. Nan Johnson ofPerry as the speaker. Some won-dered why Nan appeared with adog. She certainly wasn't blindand she was speaking well whichmeant to lots of us that she wasn'tdeaf. Wrong. Nan is deaf and hercompanion is Gertie, the HearingDog. She is a mixed bred which isthought to be more easily trainedthan a thorough bred, and alsohealthier. Gertie is half LabradorRetriever and half GoldenRetriever. She was trained byCanine Companions forIndependence (CCI).

“What,” you ask, “are youtalking about?” We didn't knoweither. Yes, there are Hearing Dogsto be had, and we can only hopethey are all as precious as the onethat came around to every memberto sort of speak or sniff. She dragsher leash everywhere as that ispart of her training. To let a dogoff its leash is to turn it loose, andthis can be catastrophic as they areleash trained and don't know whatto do when released. Recently, oneran into the road and was run overand killed. The approximate valueto these well trained dogs is$40,000. So, discipline is manda-tory. Not only for the dog, but forthe hearing impaired person whohas responsibility of her dog. Nan

does not own the dog, cannot giveher away or sell her. (Not that shewould ever want to.) These highlytrained dogs are only given to peo-ple who are deaf and need them,and the people go through inten-sive training as well.

This is not a phone-in requestfor a dog. It takes years to get oneand some traveling about. Nan hadto go to Delaware, Iowa to bejudged capable of handling andinteracting with dogs. Ironically,she interacted with Gertie's brotherin Iowa and was deemed a suitablecandidate to handle a HearingDog. Lucky for her. But it was notover; another lengthy wait beforeshe was called to go to Californiato meet the retriever chosen forher and to train and be tested overand over to actually receiveGertie.

Nan must give exactly thesame commands and requests eachtime she needs Gertie to re-act.After her most interesting speech,Dr. Johnson gave us a demonstra-tion of how she and Gerti worktogether. When the phone rings,when she's lost her keys, when thedoor bell rings, etc.

Nan hid the phone in a remotearea of the room, and asked one ofthe members to call her number.This done, Gertie goes over toNan, nudges her and takes herimmediately and directly to thephone. When Gertie nudges Nan,Nan turns around and holds botharms out as if asking, “Where?”Gertie responds to that gesture andacts accordingly.

Next, Nan pretends to lose hercar keys. She goes to the door and

rattles the door knob.Gertie comes over andnudges her as if to say,“I'm here, what do youneed?” Nan then holdsher arms out again as ifto say, “Where are mykeys?” and Gertie takesher to the place in theroom where Nan hadpreviously dropped thekeys.

This was a fascinat-ing speech, and clear, asNan was six before herparents and teachersrealized she wasbecoming deaf.Consequently shelearned to speak beforegoing deaf which weknew immediately aswe have worked withpeople in the past whowere deaf. It is very dif-ficult to learn to speak.You can't hear anyonesaying the words, norcan you hear yourselftrying to enunciate.Therefore, your soundmust be felt and islargely nasal. Nan'sspeech is nice and wellmodulated, very easy to under-stand. In fact, she's easier to listento than most of us with our south-ern drawl.

Nan has worked at MichiganState University in East Lansing,Michigan as a professor in theSociology Department. She is nowretired and will be glad to speak toany group that want to learn aboutthe inimitable Hearing Dog. It will

be quite a thrill to meet Dr.Johnson and Gertie. She says, “Itis amazing what a retriever can betaught to do. My dog understandsboth oral English and Americansign language. I will be happy toshare my knowledge to anyoneinterested in needing the informa-tion. My email address isHYPERLINK "mailto:drnanjohn-son@hotmail.com."

Dr. Nan Johnson

Dressing for the public

MACON METRO AREAFor additional listings, please visit our

website at: seniornewsga.com/ Opportunities.

**********************Coliseum Health System“Medicare Made Easy and Advanced Directives”

Coliseum Northside Hospital, 400 CharterBlvd. For complete information call 478-746-4646.

Support Groups• Bosom Buddies: A support group for breastcancer survivors. 1st Wed. each month at noon,Coliseum Medical Centers, Cancer Center, Bldg.C, Suite 120. Free. Call 478-765-4805.• Bosom Buddies Too: A support group for breastcancer survivors. 2nd Thurs. each month at 6p.m., Macon Northside Hospital, 1st FloorConference Room. Free. Call 478-765-4805.• Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia Support Group:First Sat. every month, 1-3 p.m., Location varies.Call 478-475-4908.• G.L.A.D. (Good Living Around Diabetes): 2ndMon. every other month at 5:30 p.m., ColiseumDiabetes Management Center, Bldg. C, Suite120. Free. Call 478-765-4338.• Surviving Together... Strive From StrokeSupport Group: 3rd Thurs. each month, 11:30a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch is served. Coliseum MedicalCenters cafeteria. Patients, families and care-givers whose lives have been touched by stroke.Call 478-765-4413.• United Ostomy Association Support Group: 4thSun. every month, 3 p.m., Coliseum MedicalCenters, Private Dining Room. For people whohave had colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy sur-gery. Call 478-765-4185.• Helping Hands Grief Support Group: Meetsevery Mon. at 2:30 p.m., Coliseum MedicalCenters, Bldg. C, Suite 120. Call 478-464-1401or 478-765-4805.• Middle GA MS Support Group: 3rd Thurs. eachmonth, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Coliseum NorthsideHospital, 1st floor conference room. 478-475-1818.• Bipolar Support Group: Meets every Thurs., 6-7:30 p.m., First Floor Conference Room,Coliseum Psychiatric Center, 478-741-1355• US TOO for Prostate Cancer Education andSupport: 3rd Mon., 6 p.m., Coliseum MedicalCenters, Bldg. C, Suite 120. 478-765-4805.• Survivors of Suicide Support Group: 2nd Wed.,6-7 p.m., Coliseum Psychiatric Center, 340Hospital Dr. 478-741-1355.• Extending H.O.P.E. – Lymphedema Support

Group: 1st Wed., 1:30 p.m., Coliseum MedicalCenters, Bldg. C, Suite 120. 478-765-4805.• HOPE Network: 1st Thurs., 2 p.m., ColiseumMedical Centers, Bldg. C, Suite 120. Supportgroup for all cancer survivors and their care-givers. 478-765-4805.

H2U ActivitiesFor information call 478-757-6092• Improving the Chemotherapy Experience:Coliseum Medical Centers’ Cancer Center, Bldg.C, Suite 120. 478-765-4805.• Joint Pre-Surgery Education Classes: 3rd Wed.each month, Coliseum Medical Centers, 1st FloorClassroom. 478-751-0189• Focus on Healing Classes (Lebed exercise):Advanced: Mon. & Thurs. 8 a.m.-9 a.m.;Beginner: Tues. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-12 noon.Coliseum Medical Centers, Bldg. D, Suite 230.$34 per month. 478-765-4413 to register.• Perspectives: Mon., 12:30 p.m.; Tues., 9 a.m.;Fri., 7 p.m. Cox Cable channel 15• Joint Classes at Coliseum Northside Hospital:Offered weekly for Patients who are going tohave Joint Replacement Surgery. ColiseumNorthside Hospital; 478-757-6092 to schedule.• A-Z Diabetes Self-Management: Day Classes:Last Thurs. of month with exception of Nov. &Dec., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Coliseum DiabetesManagement Center, Bldg. C, Suite 120. 478-765-4338.• Look Good... Feel Better: A free program by theAmerican Cancer Society designed to helpwomen overcome the appearance-related sideeffects of cancer treatment. Coliseum MedicalCenter, Bldg. C, Suite 120. Registration required.478-765-4805 for dates.

********************Medical Center of Central Georgia – PartnersIn Health ClassesGolden OpportunitiesThe Wellness Center3797 Northside Drive, Macon 478-757-7817Heartworks389 First St. (Inside the MHC)478-633-9090Central Georgia Rehabilitation Hospital3351 Northside Drive478-201-6500• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)Support Group: 478-633-7157• Empower Seniors Fall Risk Assessment: 478-757-7817• Stroke Support Group: 478-201-6500• Smoking Cessation: 478-633-9090• CPR Classes: 478-474-3348

• Spinal Cord Injury Support Group: 478-201-6500• Brain Injury Support Group: 478-201-6500• Parkinson’s Disease Support Group: 2:30-3:30p.m., 478-743-7092, ext. 254• Parkinson’s Disease Caregivers Support Group:478-743-7092, ext. 254• Crohns and Colitis Support Group: 3rd Sun., 3p.m., 478-737-8788 or kjhague@cox.net• Community Seminar for Arthritis, Knee & HipPain: 478-633-1865• Central Georgia Autism Support Group: Forinformation call 478-633-8088• Pine Point Adult Grief Support Group: 478-633-5615• Lymphedema Therapy: Ask physician to call478-201-6748 for referral.Cancer Life CenterInformation and Reservations: 478-633-8537;www.cancerlifecenter.org• The Pink Alliance: 478-633-8537• The Pink Alliance HoPe Chapter: 478-719-8528• Look Good, Feel Better: 478-633-8537• Prostate Cancer 101: 478-633-8537• Man-to-Man Support Group: 478-633-6349• Chemotherapy Orientation Classes: 478-633-8537• Cancer WellFit: 12-week oncology recoveryprogram, 478-757-7847• Genetic Counseling: 478-633-6270• Cancer Clinical Trials: 478-633-1738 orwww.mccgclinicaltrials.org.

********************Houston Health EduCareDiabetes Type 2 Support: 1st Weds., 1 p.m. &2nd Thurs., 7 p.m., Houston Health PavilionEduCare Center. 4th Tues., 12 noon, PerryHospital Cafeteria.

********************SeniorCareA service of Houston Healthcare promoting well-ness of mind, body and spirit for senior adults.All exercise participants must acquire a signedPhysician Release Form from their personal doc-tor.

Warner Robins SeniorCare Centerville SeniorCarePerry SeniorCareTOPS Club, Inc.

Call 478-923-9771 for programs provided andadditional information.

********************Alzheimer’s Association, Central GeorgiaRegional Area Caregivers’ Support GroupsCall 478-746-7050 or 800-272-3900 for details.Bibb County• 2nd Tues., 3:30 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association,886 Mulberry St., Macon, 478-746-7050• 1st Wed., 10 a.m., Martha Bowman UMC, 500Bass Rd., Macon, 478-743-7050Houston County• 4th Thurs., 7 p.m., Peachbelt Rehab Center, 801Elberta Rd., Warner Robins, 478-397-4669• 4th Tues., 7 p.m., Houston Health Care,Classroom #1, 1601 Watson Blvd., WarnerRobins, 478-923-2532Dodge County• 3rd Thurs., 5:30 p.m., Dodge County Hospital,Educational Annex, 901 Griffin Ave., Eastman,478-374-0600Lamar County• 4th Tues., 6:30 p.m., First United MethodistChurch, 375 Thomaston St., Barnesville, 770-358-4516Laurens County• 1st Thurs., 2 p.m., Carl Vinson VA MedicalCenter, 12-A Family Room, 1826 Veterans Blvd.,Dublin, 478-272-1210, x2328Monroe County• 1st Thurs., 6 p.m., Monroe County HospitalDining Hall Downstairs, 88 Martin Luther King,Jr., Dr., Forsyth, 478-747-8754Peach County• 3rd Thurs., 7 p.m., The Medical Center ofPeach County Cafeteria, 1960 Highway 247Connector, Byron, 478-951-3613Putnam County• 3rd Wed., 10 a.m., First Baptist Church, 115 N.Madison Ave., Eatonton, 706-485-3331Upson County• Last Thurs., 7 p.m., Thomaston Reflections, 302S. Bethel St., Thomaston, 706-647-1607Telephone Support Group• 1st & 3rd Tues., 7-8 p.m., “Care Connection”facilitated by an Alzheimer’s Assoc. staff mem-ber, 1-866-453-5550. To learn more about“Caring Connection” call 800-272-3900.

********************continued on page 7

General Business Directory For Seniors

Macon

and

Middle

Georgia

477-5501

The world’s trusted source for non-medical companionship and homecare for the seniors.

• Companionship & Personal Care• Meal Preparation & Sitters• Housekeeping & Laundry• Errands & Appointments

Barry M. Bilbro, R.Ph.Compounding Pharmacist

Your Bio-Identical Hormone Specialist1550 Watson Blvd. • Warner Robins

www.medshoppe.com478-922-2067

Warner Robins’ Oldest Independent Pharmacy

380 Hospital Drive Macon, GA 31217

FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY

Across from the Emergency RoomBOB MOODY RPH.

Pharmacist, ownerStart Getting Better Now!!!

Phone: 478-745-5431 Fax: 478-765-4359

Page 6 • March 2014 • Senior News • Macon

Macon/Central Georgia

CALENDARCALENDAR

BUSINESS CCARD SECTIONFor Advertising Information Call

David VonAlmen at 478-213-5986

Jane Winston at 478-542-1642

Jan Tassitano at 770-993-2943

CALENDARfrom page 6

Free Legal ServicesAvailable to Seniors

The Macon Office of Georgia LegalServices provides free legal services to seniors(60 and over) as resources allow. We interviewclients in the following counties BY APPOINT-MENT ONLY: Bibb, Baldwin, Crawford,Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Pulaski, Putnam,Twiggs and Wilkinson.

Call the Macon Office at 478-751-6261 foran appointment.

********************Meals on Wheels ofMacon and Bibb County

Meals on Wheels of Macon and BibbCounty needs volunteers to help deliver meals tohome-bound clients. Volunteers must have avalid Georgia driver’s license and a positive atti-tude. If you can spare two hours a day one day aweek, then you may just be the person needed.We especially need help on Thursdays andFridays. Meals of Wheels is a wonderful organi-zation which takes pride in everything it does.This program would not exist without volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering, pleasecall Joyce Waller or Beverly McCard at 478-745-9140.

********************Macon-Bibb County Parks & RecreationDepartment Senior Center1283 Adams Street Macon, Georgia 31201;Phone: 478-751-2790, 478- 751-9238; Dailyactivities 9:00-2:00• Senior Tax Assistance: Free confidential incometax assistance for senior citizens. Call LarryWright at 478-751-2796.• Choir - “Band of Angels:” Practice Mondays at10 a.m. Call Brenda at 478-751-2790• Stretching and Strengthening Exercise: Tues. &Thurs., 10:30-11:30 a.m.• More Than A Number Dance Aerobics: Wed.evening, 6:15-7 p.m. Call Dona at 478-751-9238• Spades: Wed. mornings, 10 a.m. Call Charlie at478-751-2790• Tai Chi for Arthritis: Sponsored by theAmerican Arthritis Foundation. Mon. & Wed.,12:30 p.m. Call Dona at 478-751-9238• Needle Crafts daily 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The fibercraft room is open daily for quilting, crocheting,knitting, and sewing. Call 478-751-2790.

********************Warner Robins Senior Citizen Services (50+Years Old)Warner Robins Recreation Department -Melanie LewisEmail: mlewis@wrga.gov; 478-293-1066

Senior Activity Center152 Maple Street, Warner RobinsOffice: 478-293-1066• Ceramics: Tuesday and Friday from 10 am-12pm, and 1 pm-4 pm. Charges are for greenware,lights, music boxes, etc. No charge for firing orpaint. Brushes and cleaning tools are availablefor purchase.• Aerobics: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9 am.Cost is $2 aclass or $20 a month. Join us for low-impact aer-obics for seniors. For more information contact478-293-1066.• Prime Painters: Open to anyone who wants tocome and paint. Bring your own supplies.Thursday afternoon from 1:30 pm -4:00 pm.Please call 478-293-1066 for more information.• Quilting Party: Wednesdays, 10 am-2 pm. Bringyour own (small) scissors and personal thimble.Quilting materials supplied. *NOTE: We handquilt for the public and also havequilts for sale. Currently has a waiting list for theclass.• Woodworking Shop: Daily (except onThursdays) at 9 am. “Woodworking SafetyOrientation” is a prerequisite for participationand is scheduled upon request. What would youlike to make?* Ikebana: Japanese flower arranging, Mondaysat 2 pm. Please contact Yuko Hancock at 478-923-7312 for more information.• Line Dancing: On Wednesdays – NewBeginners Class at theWellston Center from 1-2 pm. $2 admission. TheIntermediate Class at the Wellston Center from2:30-4:00 pm – $3 admission. For more informa-tion please contact Terry McLeroy at 478-987-0019.• Tai Chi: On Monday and Thursday morningsfrom 10-11 am in the Senior Center . If you arelooking for a way to reduce stress and a varietyof other health conditions, Tai Chi promotesserenity through gentle, flowing movements. Theclass is free.The instructor is Ron Shively at 478-719-9944.• Senior Water Aerobics: Monday, Tuesday,Thursday and Friday, 9 am-10 am at FountainPark. The cost is $25.00 per month. Please con-

tact Miranda at 478-293-1071 if interested.• Yoga: Tuesday at 2 pm & Thursday at 11 am inthe Senior Center. $5 per class. Chair Yoga:Mondays at 2 pm in the Senior Center. $5 perclass. Our teacher is Dena Hobbs. You can reachher for more information at 478-225-0133.

Wellston Center• Regular Meetings and ProgramsAARP: The 4th Wednesday of the month, Oct.23, 2013, 10 amto 12 noon. Jeanine Frey, President, 478-922-5489.• AARP Driver Training: Please contact RobertWoodall at 478-397-6690for information and reservations.• NARFE: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10 am-12 noon. Charles Farmer, President, 478-922-2453.• Ted Wright Senior Citizens Social Club: 2nd &4th Thursday. Betty Lou Lovain , President, 478-922-7774.• Warner Robins Senior Citizens Social Club: 2nd& 4th Tuesday. Van Adams, President, 478-923-2174.• LMNO (Ladies and Men’s Night Out): Forinformation call 478-923-0229.

********************Support Group for Caregivers of Frail ElderlyFamily MembersFirst & third Tuesdays of each month, 3:30-5p.m., 6060 Lakeside Commons Place (off BassRd.), Macon. Call Martha Duke at 478-808-6957.

********************The Gospelaires QuartetOutreach Ministry

The Gospelaires Quartet is ready to sing atyour Senior Meetings, Church, Reunions,Assisted Living Center or Nursing Home, as wellas special Birthday Celebrations and ClubMeetings.

For additional information call 478-929-3816.

********************Houston County CouncilOf The Blind

The Houston County Council of the Blindmeets the first Saturday of each month at theCenterville Lions Club located on Houston LakeRoad voicing state and local concerns for theblind or visually impaired. Fellowship and mem-bership are welcomed.

********************Theatre Macon438 Cherry Street, Macon

478-746-9485• The Three Musketeers: March 1-9

********************Divorce Recovery Group

First Baptist Church of Macon, located at511 High Place, is offering a Divorce RecoveryGroup for those interested. The meetings are heldon Wednesday evenings. Child care and chil-dren’s activities will be provided.

For additional information call the churchoffice at 478-742-6485.

********************DivorceCare OfferedBy Central Baptist Church

Divorced? Separated? Find help atDivorceCare.

DivorceCare is a special weekly seminarand support group for people who are separatedor divorced. The group meets at Central BaptistChurch located at 1120 Lake Joy Road, WarnerRobins. Childcare is provided for babies through5th grade.

For additional information call 478-953-9319.

********************Bloomfield United Methodist Church5511 Bloomfield Rd., Macon478-397-6568 or 478-788-2262

********************New Dimension of Praise International Ministries,Inc.Uletha Durham, Pastor, 207 S. Davis Dr., WarnerRobins, Church: 478-329-8780, Cell: 478-283-9494

********************Heart of Georgia Chapter 2Blue Star Mothers of AmericaThe Blue Star Mothers of America, Heart ofGeorgia Chapter 2, meets the first Thursday eachmonth at 7:30 p.m. at Coldwell Banker’s SSKRealtors located at 470 S. Houston Lake Road,Warner Robins. For additional information con-tact PJ Johnson at 478-284-6905 or email: chief-stribe@cox.net.

********************Bare Bulb Coffee1117 Highway 96, Suite 100, Kathleen. Forschedule of events and information call 478-787-3482 or email nikki@barebulbcoffee.org.

********************A “brief” Run to Fight Colon CancerThe undy 5000 5K Run/Walk. Sat., March 8,9:00 a.m., Wesleyan College. For details call theColiseum Cancer Institute at 478-765-4805.

********************

St. Paul Apartments & Village62 & Older and Disabled Persons Welcome

1330 Forsyth Street • Macon, GA 31201

Call 478-745-0829Rent Includes All Utilities • Beauty ShopLibrary • Optional Lunch 5 Days/Week

Bus for Groceries & Doctor AppointmentsRange of Planned Activities

Washer/Dryer On Each FloorSubsidized and market units.

General Business Directory For Seniors

YOUR DONATIONS

When you donate yourclothing and household

items to Goodwill Industries, themerchandise will be processed by trainees and resoldat Goodwill stores to fund job training and placement

services for people with barriers to employment

YOUR TIMESpend an afternoon, or a few hours each week giving

back to the community. Make volunteeringa part of your family activities.

CALL: Mid GA: 478.957.9741OR CSRA: 706.790.5350

Goodwill NEEDS

YOU!

To find a location near you, visit

www.goodwillworks.org

March 2014 • Senior News • Macon • Page 7

BUSINESS CCARD SECTIONFor Advertising Information Call

David VonAlmen at 478-213-5986

Jane Winston at 478-542-1642

Jan Tassitano at 770-993-2943

HONDA1988 GL1500 MOTORBIKE

~ FOR FREE ~If Interested Contact:

petermaris@live.com

by SUSAN LARSON

Some years back we went toBranson. It was wonderful. I’ll neverforget how simple it was to getaround. All the restaurants, shopsand concert halls were within walk-ing distance of our motel. But manysenior tourists came by bus and I'llnever forget how they all wore nametags with the company logo and busnumber around their neck.

Surely they didn’t need thosetags to remember their own names,did they? It must have been only tohelp them remember their bus.Right?

But as I get older, I get wiser,and I better understand the impor-tance of the written word, for what-ever reason. And the world today ismuch more complicated. For exam-ple, back in the day, we didn’t haveTV remote controls that we couldmisplace. The dial was right on thetelevision where it couldn’t get lost.Now we have not only one, but fourremote controls, which I keep trackof with labeled sticky dots.

We used to have only three chan-nels. For Channel 2, we turned thatdial that could not be lost to Channel2. Today, for Channel 2, I have tofind the remote with the sticky dotlabeled “cable” and hit 3. If I wanthigh definition, I find the “HD”

remote and hit 803. Then there’s sur-round sound, but I lost the stickynote explaining which buttons topress and in what order and I’membarrassed to ask my husband fordirections again.

At the grocery store it used to beshop, pay, go. Now I have to remem-ber if the store I’m in uses thoselaminated savings cards, and if so,where I put it. About a year ago, Ibought three canvas grocery bags,but I always left them in the backseat of the car. Then Publix gave outlittle green stickers to place on the

windshield asking “Do you haveyour bags?” This actually works!Every time I shop I dutifully sling allthree bags over my shoulder. Onlyproblem is, at the checkout, I get socarried away chitchatting with theperson behind me – you’d be amazedhow many columns I get that way –that the clerk bags up all my gro-ceries in plastic and I hate to hold upthe line asking her rebag them.

Then there’s the Wednesday sen-ior discount. It seems at my age Iwouldn't have to say anything, butsometimes a teenage cashier will

ring me up before I mention it, andthen it's too late.

You know what? I think I mightmake a little tag to put around myneck that says “I am a senior citizen.I have bags.” And maybe, consider-ing the world’s not getting any sim-pler and I’m not getting any younger,it might not be a bad idea to put myname on it.

*********

Susan Larson is a writer fromLilburn. E-mail her at susanlar-son79@gmail.com.

Page 8 • March 2014 • Senior News • Macon

Age gives more personal meaning to written word

by JANE WINSTON

March 21, 22 and 23 Heart’sDesires Productions will bring to middleGeorgia audiences, for the first time, themusical Everybody Talkin’ Bout HeavenSho Ain’t Goin’ at the HistoricalDouglass Theatre on Martin Luther KingJr. Boulevard in Macon. Show time is7:15, tickets are $18.00 and the reserva-tion box office number is 478-742-2000.

Venis Glover is the writer and direc-tor of the production. She was born inPerry, graduated from Northside HighSchool and Fort Valley State University.She taught for a while in both Bibb andHouston Counties but ultimately gavethat up to free-up time to be on stage(and she has been on all stages in thelocal area) and to follow her dream ofsharing the word of God through the

dramatic artsThe setting is the Depot of

Heavenbound Railways where the mottois “getting you where you think you’regoing fast, but where you’re actually

going faster because everybody talkin’bout heaven sho ain’t goin!” A caravanof Sojourners gather at the station, somelooking forward to their journey andsome fearful of it, but they all take aticket and discover whether they areheaded on a Northbound or Southboundtrain. The musical numbers enhanceeach character’s reality and are memo-rable thanks to the gifted and dynamictalent of the musical directorChristopher D. Graddick.

Venis guarantees an evening toexperience every human emotion possi-ble as you sing, dance, clap, cry andponder whether or not you can make adifference while on earth and after!!

*********Jane Winston is a freelance writer

in the local area. You may contact Janeat 478-542-1642 or jwins1939@gmail.com.

Everybody Talkin’ Bout Heaven Sho Ain’t Goin’

Venis Glover